As far back as May of last year, Boeing publicly discussed that the brake control system was a key pacing item for the 787 program. Tracing the evolution of this issue, which Crane and Boeing have stated is resolved, today we find Crane announcing they need to develop a new version of the software, potentially for the 787-9, later blockpoint 787-8s, or even an additional evolution for initial certification. The recipient of the new software is unclear at this point, but it certainly something to be aware of moving forward.
Aviation Week – May 23, 2008:
While Boeing VP and 787 General Manager Pat Shanahan says most
systems are ready to go, the airplane’s brake control monitoring system
supplied by Crane Aerospace to the former Smiths Aerospace division of
GE Aviation has fallen behind schedule and remains a threat to first
flight in the fourth quarter this year.Design concerns about the brake monitors arose during build and test
reviews by GE and Crane. As those issues were being worked out, power
supply issues also cropped up. A joint GE-Crane team is addressing the
problems at Crane’s Burbank, Calif., facility.A GE manager says the team is making “good progress” toward
supporting Boeing’s flight test schedule. “They are later than we want,
but they will support first flight,” the manager said.
FlightBlogger – August 5, 2008:
Boeing expects to have all of the hardware on Dreamliner One
qualified by the second or third week of August, “with the exception of
the brakes.”
Boeing – October 31, 2008:
“The issues with the brake software are behind us, functionality
required for flight test is in the labs and is working well. (The final
“blue label” version — for flight test — is in the lab and is
undergoing tests, all known software problems are resolved. The formal
“red label” version will follow in two weeks. We plan on a
service-ready update during flight test that adds some additional
functionality including tire pressure, operator initiated test, and
dataload),” said 787 spokeswoman Yvonne Leach.
Crane Co. CEO Eric Fast – February 18, 2009:
“The Company expects to complete development of the
brake control system for the Boeing 787 that meets the originally
specified requirements during the second quarter of 2009 although
engineering efforts at reduced levels will be needed to support test
flights.However, Boeing has communicated certain changed aircraft
requirements that affect the brake control system, and we have recently
entered into discussions with our customer, GE Aviation Systems,
regarding development of a new version of the 787 brake control system,
including whether this additional development work will be funded by
the customer.It is the Company’s position that it is not required to
undertake this additional development work without customer funding,
and the costs of such work, which could be material, are not included
in our guidance.” Emphasis added.
This post was originally published to the internet between 2007 and 2012. Links, images, and embedded media from that era may no longer function as intended.
This post originally appeared at Flightglobal.com from 2007 to 2012.